Sleep affects nearly every aspect of your life. It’s no surprise that it would affect your health as well. However, it’s surprising how much your sleeping position says about what you’re like when you’re awake.
Your sleep habits can both alert you to issues and cause issues over time. If you have a go-to sleep position, here’s what your sleeping position says about you.
On Your Back
If you sleep in this position, you’re likely uptight about life. You crave the feeling of relaxing your muscles as you sink into your bed.
Sleeping on your back allows you to pay more attention to how your body releases tension. This may allude to anxiety issues, high standards, and weighty expectations of yourself or others.
If you sleep on your back, you unknowingly work to keep your spine aligned. You might be subconsciously working on back issues that you may or may not be aware of. This could point to a need for chiropractic care.
Back sleeping may also result from your subconscious need for pain relief. Sleeping on your back allows you to fully appreciate that nice, slow sink into tranquility.
Pros of Back-Sleeping:
Back-sleepers are more likely to fall asleep faster, sleep through the night, and feel well-rested after waking up.
Sleeping on your back distributes all your weight and blood evenly throughout your body. This helps with tension headaches, relieves sinus and chest pressure, and even prevents aging in your face.
This position offers arguably the least amount of complications for your health. However, there are still issues to keep an eye out for.
Cons of Back-Sleeping:
Although this position may help with back pain for those with misaligned spines, it can also contribute to back problems. Lower back pain is a common issue for back-sleepers.
Snoring is also common with this sleep position. Snoring can cause an array of health issues over time. It’s important to prop yourself up if you think you’re regularly snoring in this position.
On Your Side
There are various ways you can sleep on your side, and they may point to specific personality traits. Many of these have implications on your physical health as well.
The fetal position is the most common sleeping position, and for good reason. This position helps you feel safer and more secure. Shy people often sleep in this position, possibly pointing to social stress.
Sleeping on your side may also be your body’s way of fixing stomach issues. Digestion benefits and detriments are the key difference to sleeping on your side.
Pros of Side-Sleeping:
Side-sleeping can relieve snoring and improve digestion. It can also help fetal development during pregnancy.
Sleeping on your left side has loads of benefits. It leads to better blood flow, a lower chance of heartburn, and better brain health. Side-sleeping reduces the chance of acid reflux by keeping your stomach acid below your esophagus rather than in your throat.
Cons of Side-Sleeping:
Sleeping on your right side causes your stomach acid to rise to your throat. Be careful to avoid this as much as possible, especially if you notice acid reflux symptoms. If you choose to fall asleep on your side, sleep on your left side instead.
